How To Overcome Severe Postpartum Hair Loss Problem

While postpartum depression is one of the most talked about trouble after delivery, the other problems are typically ignored as they do not need much medical intervention. Now, postpartum hair loss is a problem that a lot of new mothers experience. Your hair may even fall out in clumps after your pregnancy. But do not fret. This is a typical phenomenon, and it has a scientific name called Telogen Effluvium or postpartum hair loss. Postpartum hair loss occurs in around 50% of women after birth.

The good news is that it isn’t permanent. Within one year of delivery, a woman regains her hair’s natural thickness.

Why does it occur?

During pregnancy, there’s a rise in the level of estrogen (hormone) in the body. This will prevent the natural process of hair fall. Also, this is the reason many women feel that their hair has truly grown in volume during the period of pregnancy. Because of the prolonged growth phase, only fewer strands are remaining in the resting phase during their shedding. But after delivery, the levels of estrogen drop and a lot of strands move to the resting phase. Therefore, there is an inordinate level of hair loss. It’s not possible for you to prevent the hair loss after childbirth. But, some treatments can be utilized to minimize hair loss.

Listed below are some easy and natural treatment for postpartum hair loss prevention.

1. Postpartum vitamin supplements

According to (APA) American Pregnancy Association, a woman who just gave birth should consume vitamin C, vitamin E, B-vitamins, biotin, and zinc through her diet. Now, these vitamins are also required to reduce hair loss post pregnancy. However, you need to remember that:

Before you embark on a program for vitamin supplementation, you should consult the doctor to make sure that you do not inadvertently overdose it.

2. Biotin supplement

Do you know that vitamin B-complex made up of biotin? This vitamin is particularly essential in reducing hair loss post pregnancy since it works in the making of hair proteins such as keratin. Biotin lack has been related to hair breakage, brittle nails, and hair loss. To include biotin for your hair treatment after pregnancy:

Take biotin (5 mg) or supplementation of B-complex postpartum for countering hair loss. Try to use conditioners and shampoos fortified with biotin. But, their efficacy doesn’t have any scientific proof yet.

3. Yeast hair mask

There’s a reason beer is said to be good for hair. It has yeast that helps in countering postpartum hair fall. Here is the reason washing the hair with beer postpartum can assist:

Yeast found in the beer contains folic acid, biotin, and riboflavin– all good nutrients for the growth of hair.
It provides strength to hair as well as makes it shine well.

Also, a hair mask could be produced with brewer’s yeast in reducing hair loss after pregnancy.

4. Methi or Fenugreek seeds

Fenugreek seeds have nicotinic acid and protein which encourage hair growth. The lecithin presence moisturizes hair and provides it strength. To make use of fenugreek in countering postpartum hair fall, follow these steps below:

Soak fenugreek seeds in your bowl overnight.
Just strain its liquid and use it in massaging the scalp.
Then, use a towel to wrap your head for 4 hours.
Use shampoo to wash your hair and apply a conditioner.

5. Peppermint oil

This oil is an excellent moisturizer, and research suggests that it can also help in stimulating hair growth making it a great and natural way of fighting off hair fall without experiencing any toxicity. Add many drops of the oil to your normal shampoo when you wash the hair to increase its shine and strength.

6. Supplementation of essential fatty acid

Essential fatty acids like omega-3-fatty acids, omega-9, and omega-6-fatty acids are good for healthy hair. Try to include more of fish oil and flaxseed in your diet since they all rich sources of these fatty acids. Also, they lower the levels of lipoprotein cholesterol (in low-density) or levels of “bad” cholesterol.

7. Almond oil massage

Oil from almond is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, as well as vitamin E that are nutrients necessary for your healthy hair. Now, massaging the hair with your warm almond oil twice daily helps in preventing additional loss of hair.

8. Licorice

The root of Licorice that has been apparently utilized by Ancient Egyptians in the 3rd century B.C. and is said to be very soothing for irritated, dry skin, ideal for removing an irritated scalp or dandruff. Because it’s said also to strengthen your hair shaft, it’s also a great natural treatment for postpartum hair loss.

A research comparing extract of licorice to the commercially sold drug for hair-growth Minoxidil has shown the winner to be licorice.

The easiest method of using licorice is to purchase Licorice Extract from a health shop and add a little extract to your shampoo. You massage the scalp and also the roots of the hair to hopefully leave it strong and healthy.

9. Castor oil massage

This oil is rich in omega-6-fatty acids and ricinoleic acid that promote the growth of hair. Once weekly, massage a mixture of almond oil and warm castor oil on the scalp. Also, castor oil can be mixed together with coconut oil for the same results.

Now, for better health of your hair, a few tips will help to reduce hair loss post-pregnancy:
Don’t use hot water to wash hair.
Use a wide-toothed comb to comb hair.
Use a quality mild shampoo to help keep hair clean.

10. Avoid styling tools, colors

Avoid using any heating tool to style the hair. Also, frequent coloring may add more troubles to your hair. Allow them to dry naturally, don’t use a blow dry to dry hair always. This will weaken the hair roots. Don’t comb wet hair. And if you would like to do it, then use a wide-toothed comb for your wet hair to avoid hair loss. Sprays or gels are not recommendable for people who suffer from hair fall problem.

A little care, together with some home treatment, will prevent postpartum hair loss. Gradually, your hair will regain its natural thickness.

References:

Co-founder of HarVokseClinic.com. When his partner (Eleora Sills) experienced hair loss problem and got a great result using Har Vokse, he decided to help others by creating a website about hair loss treatments.